Breaking: Uber Ends Operations in Nigeria After 12 Years

Ride-hailing giant Uber has officially ended its operations in Nigeria after 12 years, bringing its services in one of Africa’s largest markets to a close. The company announced that its Nigerian operations would wind down effective September 2, 2026, following what it described as a thorough review of its business and changing priorities. Uber first launched in Lagos in 2014, introducing app-based ride-hailing to Nigerian commuters and subsequently expanding its operations to other parts of the country. In a message sent to customers, Uber described the decision as difficult and thanked Nigerians for using its platform over the past 12 years. The company said it understood that the withdrawal could disrupt customers’ routines and apologised for the inconvenience caused by the decision. Uber also informed drivers that, from September 2, they would no longer receive rider trip requests through the Uber app. The company has not disclosed specific financial or operational reasons for its departure. However, Uber said the decision followed a review of its evolving business priorities and investment focus across Africa. The company also clarified that the decision affects Nigeria and Uganda specifically and does not mean it is withdrawing from the rest of the African market. The exit comes amid increasing challenges in Nigeria’s ride-hailing sector, including rising operating costs, fuel prices, inflation, currency pressures and intense competition. The development also follows recent controversy surrounding the operation of e-hailing companies at Nigerian airports. In July, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria directed airport managers to stop Uber and Bolt from operating commercially at its managed airports pending the finalisation of licensing arrangements. However, Uber has specifically said that its decision to leave Nigeria was not caused by the recent FAAN directive. The company said its customer Help Centre will remain available until September 23, 2026, allowing users to resolve outstanding account-related issues. Uber’s departure marks the end of a 12-year presence that helped popularise app-based transportation in Nigeria. The company’s arrival transformed how many Nigerians booked rides, while also creating earning opportunities for thousands of independent drivers. The Nigerian ride-hailing market will now have to adjust to the departure of one of its biggest international operators, with competing platforms expected to play a larger role in the sector. Uber’s exit is part of a broader restructuring at the company. Reuters reports that Uber is also cutting approximately 3,300 jobs, representing about 10% of its workforce, as it streamlines its organisation and redirects investment towards areas including autonomous vehicles. For Nigerian customers and drivers, however, the immediate impact is the loss of access to Uber’s ride-hailing service after more than a decade of operation.